Leeds United goal machine let go after nine goals in seven games as loan agreed

Luca Thomas signed a new contract at Leeds United in July
-Credit: (Image: Leeds United)


Goal machine Luca Thomas has left Leeds United to join York City on loan after sinking nine strikes in seven under-21 appearances. The 20-year-old was taken to Germany by Daniel Farke with the first team this summer, but has since been unable to fight his way through the lengthy pecking order in attack.

With Mateo Joseph, Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt all queuing up for frontline minutes, Thomas has made do with under-21 games. The striker has been menace at that level, scoring in every game he’s played, including two braces.

The Minstermen are flying high in the National League, four points behind leaders Barnet, and will take Thomas for what United have described as a short-term loan. Traditionally, that means one month, but no fixed end date has been provided as it stands.

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Thomas signed a new one-year contract in July, which takes him through to the end of this season. With opportunities hard to come by at Elland Road, he will hope to make an impression with his first taste of senior action.

A club statement said: “Leeds United academy striker Luca Thomas has today joined National League side York City, on a short-term loan. The forward has been in strong form for Scott Gardner’s under-21s so far this campaign, netting nine goals in seven appearances in all competitions.

“Luca joins Adam Hinshelwood’s York outfit, who currently sit third in the National League, just four points adrift of early pace-setters Barnet. The Minstermen’s LNER Community Stadium has already proven to be a happy hunting ground for the 20-year-old so far this term, where he has scored on both appearances for the U21s.

“The club would like to wish Luca well during his time with York and we look forward to seeing his further development whilst away from the club.”